Goblin War Cry MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Sorcery
Released	1998-06-24
Set symbol
Set name	Portal Second Age
Set code	P02
Number	104
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Anson Maddocks

Key Takeaways

Goblin War Cry enables rapid board expansion through token generation, shifting game dynamics swiftly.
Instant speed casting of Goblin War Cry introduces surprise elements, optimizing strategic combat timing.
The card demands strategic hand management due to its discard requirement and specific mana cost.

Text of card

Your opponent chooses one of his or her creatures. Only that creature can block this turn.

"Goblins cry, soldiers fly. Stones fly, soldiers die!"

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Goblin War Cry card offers an immediate presence on the board by enabling the deployment of numerous goblin tokens. This can quickly shift the board state in your favor and potentially offer additional card draw opportunities when combined with other synergistic cards.

Resource Acceleration: Goblin War Cry’s ability to summon multiple tokens can also act as a form of resource acceleration. It amplifies the effectiveness of cards that benefit from having a wealth of creatures on the field, which can be crucial for overwhelming the opponent or for boosting mana generation in decks that utilize creatures for mana abilities.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Goblin War Cry at instant speed cannot be overstated. It permits strategic players to wait until the most opportune moment before unleashing a horde of goblins onto the battlefield, be it to ambush an unsuspecting attacker or to bolster their defenses before the opponent’s turn concludes.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Goblin War Cry demands that you discard a card to activate its abilities which may deplete your hand when you might need those cards to respond to your opponent’s actions or develop your board presence.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s cost necessitates red mana, potentially restricting its integration in multicolored or non-red decks, and affecting deck versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost leaning on the higher side for its effect, Goblin War Cry competes with a range of other cards that could offer similar or better board impact or mana efficiency.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin War Cry enhances a broad spectrum of red deck strategies, from aggressive builds to those that capitalize on tribal synergies. Its ability to disrupt opponents gives you an edge by clearing the way for your goblin horde to connect.

Combo Potential: This card can seamlessly integrate with other goblins that benefit from attacking, such as those with the battalion mechanic or those that trigger on dealing combat damage to a player. It can be a key piece in powerful attack-phase combos.

Meta-Relevance: Given the ever-present nature of creature-based decks in the meta, Goblin War Cry’s ability to hinder blockers allows it to serve as an effective tool in overcoming stalling tactics and dense board states.

How to beat

Goblin War Cry is a card that can be a thorn in the side of many Magic: The Gathering players. This red sorcery often turns the tide of battle by forcing opponents to deal with an onslaught of aggressive goblin creatures. The key to overcoming this card lies in swift removal options or playing sweepers that can clear out multiple creatures at once. Interaction spells like Shock or Lightning Bolt can pick off individual goblins as they come, keeping the hoard at bay.

Another effective strategy is to employ cards with lifelink to negate the damage from the goblin swarm and stay in the game longer. Board wipes such as Wrath of God or Doomskar are also incredibly potent against Goblin War Cry, as they can remove all creatures in one fell swoop. It is also worth noting the importance of keeping a healthy life total and a stable board presence. By being proactive and prepared with the right answers, a player can easily dismantle the chaos wrought by a seemingly overwhelming Goblin War Cry.

Understanding the mechanics behind Goblin War Cry and having a game plan ready makes this card far less intimidating. With the right mix of removal, life gain, and board control, maintaining dominance against a goblin siege is entirely within reach for strategic players.

Cards like Goblin War Cry

Goblin War Cry is an intriguing option in the category of red sorcery spells that specialize in manipulating combat in Magic: The Gathering. Like Goblin War Cry, cards such as Goblin Diplomats and Incite War also allow players to connect with direct attacks by forcing blockers or removing a choice of defense. While Goblin War Cry insists on attacking an opponent if able, Goblin Diplomats merely grants the option of causing all creatures to attack if possible, offering a bit more flexibility without targeting a player directly.

Comparing further, Goblin War Drums brings a slightly different approach by making your creatures harder to block due to introducing menace to the field, indirectly pressuring opponents similar to the effects of Goblin War Cry. Lastly, Raging Goblin, though not a direct combat manipulator, contributes to the aggressive playstyle with its haste ability, aligning with the quick assault tactic that Goblin War Cry might endorse in a goblin deck.

In summary, Goblin War Cry maintains a close kinship with cards that encourage rapid and forceful combat scenarios. It drives the momentum and channels the relentless aggression characteristic of goblin decks, which could tip the scales of battle in a player’s favor.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin War Cry MTG card by a specific set like Portal Second Age, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Goblin War Cry and other MTG cards: